05 May Acclaimed Authors and Local Students Share Stories at Sonoma Valley Authors Festival Students Day

Sonoma Valley, CA, May 4, 2018 – This time of year at high schools across Sonoma County, it can be a challenge for students to focus on the tasks at hand, namely reading, writing, and arithmetic as well as end-of-year projects and exams. But on a recent Friday at Sonoma Valley High School and Sonoma Academy, students were engaged in a unique and enlightening experience.

As part of the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival, organized by Sonoma Valley residents David and Ginny Freeman, accomplished writers and esteemed experts including U.S. Astronaut Captain Scott Kelly, celebrated poet Billy Collins, and R.J. Palacio, author of the popular children’s book Wonder, visited with local students to talk about their work, their adventures, and how well-told stories can change people’s lives.

As part of the day’s festivities, 10,000 Degrees Fellows helped facilitate student-author interactions, including handing out more than 5,000 books for students to enjoy over the summer and beyond. “We are thrilled to be able to give away so many books to these amazing students,” says David Freeman. “And 10,000 Degrees was the perfect partner, both in planning and execution – thank you 10,000 Degrees!”